Stephen King's The Green Mile is lauded for its compelling storytelling, rich character development, and emotional depth. Reviewers appreciate the blend of supernatural elements with poignant themes of morality and justice. However, some criticize its length and pacing. Overall, it is a highly recommended read for fans of thoughtful, evocative fiction.

A reader who enjoys The Green Mile by Stephen King is likely drawn to intense, emotional narratives that intertwine elements of supernatural fiction, historical depth, and moral exploration. Fans of Shawshank Redemption by Stephen King and To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee will appreciate the compelling storytelling and profound themes.

In The Green Mile by Stephen King, Paul Edgecombe recounts his time as the supervising officer of Cold Mountain's death row in 1932. John Coffey, a gentle giant convicted of murdering twin girls, touches lives with his miraculous healing powers, revealing a complex tale of justice and humanity. Topics include graphic violence, execution, and racial prejudice.

Dark / Emotional / Mysterious / Unnerving / Melancholic

- The Green Mile was initially published as a serialized novel in six parts over a span of six months in 1996, a nod to the serialized storytelling format popular in the 19th and early 20th centuries.
- Stephen King has stated that while writing The Green Mile, he could not plan the outcome of each installment, which kept the writing process fresh and exciting, even for him.
- The original working title for the book was The Star-Jumper, which Stephen King changed to The Green Mile because he later considered the original title wasn't fitting for the story's theme.

**Paul Edgecombe**  
A former prison guard from Cold Mountain State Penitentiary, now 104 years old and living in a nursing home, who reflects on his past experiences.

**John Coffey**  
A large, gentle man with mysterious origins and a unique gift, imprisoned at Cold Mountain under suspicion of a grave crime.

**William Wharton**  
A young inmate with a troubling history and a dangerous presence, known for his erratic and violent behavior.

**Eduard Delacroix**  
A Cajun inmate on death row at Cold Mountain, known for his gentler disposition and friendship with a mouse named Mr. Jingles.

**Percy Wetmore**  
An unpleasant and incompetent guard on The Green Mile, whose political connections protect him despite his abuses of power.

**Brutus “Brutal” Howell**  
Paul's second-in-command at Cold Mountain, notable for his large size, strength, and compassionate nature.

**Mr. Jingles**  
A mouse with a peculiar intelligence and loyalty, cherished by Delacroix during his time on death row.

**Janice Edgecombe**  
Paul's supportive and understanding wife, who plays a critical role in his life during his tenure at Cold Mountain.

**Hal Moores**  
The warden at Cold Mountain, Paul’s supervisor, who struggles with personal difficulties alongside his responsibilities.

**Melinda Moores**  
The kind-hearted wife of Warden Hal Moores, who faces serious health challenges during the story.

**Brad Dolan**  
An abusive orderly at Georgia Pines retirement home, where he antagonizes the elderly residents, including Paul.

**Elaine Connelly**  
Paul's special friend at Georgia Pines, who offers him support and encouragement in sharing his story.

**Klaus and Marjorie Detterick**  
The grieving parents of twin daughters, whose tragedy intertwines with the events at Cold Mountain.

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Before You Read

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Before You Read The Green Mile | SuperSummary

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Overview

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The Green Mile Summary and Study Guide

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section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: The Two Dead Girls

Part 1, Chapters 1-4

The Green Mile Part 1, Chapters 1-4 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 5-8

The Green Mile Part 1, Chapters 5-8 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: The Mouse on the Mile

Part 2, Chapters 1-4

The Green Mile Part 2, Chapters 1-4 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 5-8

The Green Mile Part 2, Chapters 5-8 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 9-11

The Green Mile Part 2, Chapters 9-11 Summary & Analysis

Part 3: Coffey’s Hands

Part 3, Chapters 1-5

The Green Mile Part 3, Chapters 1-5 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Chapters 6-10

The Green Mile Part 3, Chapters 6-10 Summary & Analysis

Part 4: The Bad Death of Eduard Delacroix

Part 4, Chapters 1-4

The Green Mile Part 4, Chapters 1-4 Summary & Analysis

Part 4, Chapters 5-9

The Green Mile Part 4, Chapters 5-9 Summary & Analysis

Part 5: Night Journey

Part 5, Chapters 1-4

The Green Mile Part 5, Chapters 1-4 Summary & Analysis

Part 5, Chapters 5-9

The Green Mile Part 5, Chapters 5-9 Summary & Analysis

Part 6: Coffey on the Mile

Part 6, Chapters 1-4

The Green Mile Part 6, Chapters 1-4 Summary & Analysis

Part 6, Chapters 5-9

The Green Mile Part 6, Chapters 5-9 Summary & Analysis

Part 6, Chapters 10-13

The Green Mile Part 6, Chapters 10-13 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

The Green Mile Character Analysis

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Themes

The Green Mile Themes

Symbols & Motifs

The Green Mile Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

The Green Mile Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

The Green Mile Essay Topics

The Green Mile

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